21^st ASEAN-India Summit-Vientiane, Laos

By R Anil Kumar

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the transformative impact of India’s ‘Act East’ policy on relationships with Southeast Asian nations during his opening remarks at the India-ASEAN Summit in Vientiane.

• He declared that the 21^st century is the “Asian century” for India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

• India shared close cultural and civilisation ties with the region, including with Lao PDR, which are enriched by a shared heritage of Buddhism and Ramayana: PM Modi.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 21^st ASEAN-India Summit called ASEAN nations as neighbours and partners in the Global South.

• India’s trade with ASEAN nations has nearly doubled to more than USD 130 billion over the past decade.

Vientiane, Laos. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called 21st century as the century of India and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN nations), adding that the INDIA-ASEAN friendship was important at a time when parts of the world are facing conflicts and tensions.

At the 21^st India-ASEAN Summit here, the Prime Minister also said he had announced the Act East Policy 10 years ago and in the past decade it had given new energy, direction and momentum to the historic ties between India and ASEAN nations.

India-ASEAN friendship, coordination dialogue and cooperationis very important at a time when several parts of the world are facing conflicts and tensions,” Prime Minister Modi said.

ASEAN nations neighbours, partners in Global South’: Modi

Calling ASEAN nations as neighbours and partners in the Global South, PM Modi said, “We are peace-loving nations and respect each other’s national integrity and sovereignty, and are committed to the bright future of the youth of the region.”

Highlighting the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiatives in 2019, Modi said,”

Last year, maritime exercises were started for regional security and stability,” Modi said, adding that India’s trade with ASEAN nations has nearly doubled to more than USD 130 billion over the past decade.

East Asia Summit an opportunity to further deepen engagement with ASEAN countries: PM Modi

Modi said India shared close cultural and civilisation ties with the region, including with Lao PDR, which are enriched by a shared heritage of Buddhism and Ramayana.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence that his visit to Laos to attend the ASEAN-India and East Asia summits will further deepen engagement with ASEAN countries.

In his departure statement, Modi noted that India is marking a decade of Act East policy this year.

“I will join the ASEAN leaders to review progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and chart the future direction of our cooperation,” the prime minister said.

The East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, he said.

“I look forward to my meetings with the Lao PDR leadership to further strengthen our bilateral ties,” he said.

Modi is visiting Lao PDR at the invitation of Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone to participate in the 21st ASEAN-India and the 19th East Asia summits.

During the summit, PM Modi introduced a 10-point plan designed to bolster connectivity and resilience, aligned with Laos’ theme as the 2024 ASEAN Chair and marking a decade of the ‘Act East’ policy. The plan aims to enhance physical, digital, cultural, and spiritual connectivity while addressing cyber, disaster, supply chain, health, and climate resilience.

Key components of the 10-point plan include:

• Celebrating 2025 as the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Tourism,’ with India contributing $5 million for joint activities.
• Marking the tenth anniversary of the ‘Act East’ policy through various initiatives such as a youth summit, start-up festival, hackathon, and a music festival.
• Organizing an ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund.
• Doubling scholarships at Nalanda University and providing new scholarships for ASEAN students at agricultural universities in India.
• Reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025.
• Initiating a new Health Ministers’ track to enhance health resilience, alongside a regular mechanism for ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue.
• Hosting workshops on green hydrogen and inviting ASEAN leaders to participate in the ‘Plant a Tree for Mother’ campaign.

Reflecting on the last decade, PM Modi noted, “Ten years ago, I announced India’s ‘Act East’ policy. This policy has energized our historic relations with ASEAN countries.”

He highlighted the success of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative launched in 2019 and the recent maritime exercises aimed at regional security.

“Our trade with the ASEAN region has nearly doubled over the past ten years to more than $130 billion,” he added, reaffirming India’s commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality.

In addressing educational collaborations, Modi shared that over 300 ASEAN students have received scholarships at Nalanda University, and a network of universities has been established to facilitate academic exchanges. He also noted the importance of humanitarian cooperation during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.

“Science and technology funds, digital funds, and green funds have been set up for cooperation in various fields, with India contributing over $30 million,” he said, adding that direct flight connectivity now exists between India and seven ASEAN countries, with flights from Brunei starting soon.

To solidify these commitments, the leaders of ASEAN and India adopted the ‘Joint Statement on Strengthening ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace, Stability and Prosperity in the Region.’ They also endorsed the ‘ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation,’ recognizing technology’s role in bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive development.